IRA Information You Need to Know

Being financially ready for retirement is an important life event that all adults should be preparing for. A traditional IRA account is a beneficial way for individuals to prepare for retirement. You have the ability to save a little money over a long period of time to prepare for retirement.

Each individual that is interested in an attractive retirement option such as the Traditional IRA must pass the requirements.

• In order to be eligible for a Traditional IRA you must be under the age of 70 1/2.
• In order to be a candidate for the Traditional IRA plan you must have a source of income. A source of income is required for anyone who wants to contribute to a Traditional IRA.

For those that qualify, Traditional IRA’s offer great tax benefits. Typically any money that you contribute to a traditional IRA is tax deferred. The money that you put into a Traditional IRA is tax deferred. Money that has been contributed directly to the retirement plan is not taxable income. Your taxable income does not include the money that you put inside the Traditional IRA plan. When individuals start withdrawing their money, which can be no later than 70 1/2, their contributions begin to be taxed. Typically you shift to a lower tax bracket which result in fewer taxes taken from your income. Income transferred into a Traditional IRA account is considered deductible income.

You should be aware that there is a limit to the amount of money that you can contribute each year.

• Maximum contribution for the age group 49 and younger is $5,000.

Individuals that are over the age of 50 can contribute $6,000. If you want to make a deductible contribution for the year, you have until the April 15 income tax deadline to get it in. You can make contributions to your Traditional IRA account during the current year and during the next year as long as it is by April 15 tax deadline.

• Most people see a decrease in their income when they retire and they move to a lower tax bracket which results in lower taxation.
• You can begin to use the benefits of your plan from day one.
• You should always consider all of your possible choices when trying to decide whether to choose a Traditional or Roth IRA or invest in a 401k plan.
• Regardless of your income if you meet the guidelines you can open a Traditional IRA.

The Traditional IRA plan is not necessarily always the best option when compared to other plans.

• Any individual who is under the age of 59 1/2 that withdraws from their Traditional IRA account early is subject to early withdrawal penalties.
• Even if you start a Traditional IRA, if your employer offers a retirement plan you may have trouble making your normal deductions.
• The IRS has the power to take part of your money if you have not started making withdrawals by 70 1/2. All contributors must begin to make regular withdrawals at 70 1/2 or they face penalties from the IRS.

The plan that fits one individual might not be the perfect retirement plan for you, so always compare each plan and choose the best one for you. The Traditional IRA is generally a good option for most people but individuals always have the ability to explore other retirement plan types.

Confused about the differnce between Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs? To find out about Roth IRA rules, go to: Roth IRA Information.